Statement on Navigating Policy Changes with Care and Commitment
Dear Pima Community College Colleagues,
As we navigate recent federal policy changes and directives, we are approaching this process with careful consideration and thoughtful review. (For example, earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education released a Dear Colleague Letter outlining nondiscrimination obligations for institutions receiving federal funding.) Our response to these shifts is one of deliberate and careful assessment. We are committed to understanding the directives, reviewing our policies and practices, and ensuring that we remain both compliant with the law and attentive to the diverse needs of our community.
At Pima Community College, we believe diversity of experiences and perspectives is a strength. As an institution of learning, our role is to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for successful careers and fulfilling lives—lives enriched by critical thinking, open dialogue, and lifelong learning. Our commitment is to learning excellence, where ideas from multiple viewpoints contribute to a robust educational experience.
To help keep you informed, I encourage you to review the updated FAQs for College Employees on Executive Orders. You can access this resource through this link or by navigating: MyPima > Important Information (scroll down the left side navigation menu) > Executive Orders and Related Items.
These FAQs will be updated regularly as new information becomes available, with additional resources linked in this section. This resource provides clear, practical guidance on recent federal policy changes and how they may impact our campus community.
If you have a question that is not currently addressed at the FAQs, please reach out to your campus vice president, site administrator, or contact Brian Stewart, Chief Cultural Impact Officer, at bstewart@pima.edu.
Should the College determine that significant policy or operational changes are required due to new federal mandates, we will communicate those updates broadly and provide clear guidance. Until then, I encourage you to continue your essential work of empowering every learner, every day, for every goal—ensuring that our students receive the education, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Our greatest strength in moments of change and uncertainty is our unwavering commitment to our students and our shared mission. Thank you for your steadfast dedication to our students and our greater community. Together, we will continue to foster an inclusive, welcoming, and forward-thinking College community.
Sincerely,
Chancellor
Pima Community College
chancellor@pima.edu